'Stanza' by Emily Brontë


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Often rebuked, yet always back returning
To those first feelings that were born with me,
And leaving busy chase of wealth and learning
For idle dreams of things which cannot be:Today, I will seek not the shadowy region;
Its unsustaining vastness waxes drear;
And visions rising, legion after legion,
Bring the unreal world too strangely near.I'll walk, but not in old heroic traces,
And not in paths of high morality,
And not among the half-distingusihed faces,
The clouded forms of long-past history.I'll walk where my own nature would be leading:
It vexes me to choose another guide:
Where the grey flocks in ferny glens are feeding;
Where the wild wind blows on the mountain side.What have those lonely mountains worth revealing?
More glory and more grief than I can tell:
The earth that wakes one human heart to feeling
Can centre both the worlds of heaven and hell.

Editor 1 Interpretation

An In-Depth Analysis of Emily Brontë's "Stanza"

When one thinks of Emily Brontë, one may immediately think of her famous novel Wuthering Heights. However, Brontë was also a poet, and her works in this field are equally as impressive. One of her most well-known poems is "Stanza," which is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that requires careful analysis to fully understand.

The Poem

Before diving into the analysis of "Stanza," it's important to read and understand the poem in its entirety. Here it is, in full:

Often rebuked, yet always back returning To those first feelings that were born with me, And leaving busy chase of wealth and learning For idle dreams of things which cannot be: To-day, I will seek not the shadowy region; Its unsustaining vastness waxes drear; And visions rising, legion after legion, Bring the unreal world too strangely near. I'll walk, but not in old heroic traces, And not in paths of high morality, And not among the half-distinguished faces, The clouded forms of long-past history. I'll walk where my own nature would be leading: It vexes me to choose another guide: Where the grey flocks in ferny glens are feeding; Where the wild wind blows on the mountain side.

An Overview of the Poem

At first glance, "Stanza" may seem like a simple poem about someone who is tired of the hustle and bustle of life and just wants to go for a walk in the countryside. However, upon closer inspection, there is much more to the poem than that.

The first line of the poem, "Often rebuked, yet always back returning," hints that the speaker has been criticized for their behavior or beliefs, but they continue to persist despite this. The next few lines express a desire to return to the "first feelings" that the speaker had when they were born. This could be interpreted as a longing for a simpler time or a desire to reconnect with one's true self.

The speaker then expresses a desire to leave behind the "busy chase of wealth and learning" and instead focus on "idle dreams of things which cannot be." This could be a commentary on society's obsession with material possessions and the pursuit of knowledge for the sake of career success.

The next few lines describe the speaker's decision to "seek not the shadowy region" and instead focus on the real world. However, as the speaker walks, they are overwhelmed by "visions rising, legion after legion," which bring the "unreal world too strangely near." This suggests that even when one tries to disconnect from the distractions of the world, they are still haunted by them.

The final stanza describes the speaker's decision to walk where their "own nature would be leading" instead of following the guidance of others. They choose to walk where the "grey flocks in ferny glens are feeding" and where the "wild wind blows on the mountain side." This is a peaceful and serene image, suggesting that the speaker has found a sense of calm and contentment by following their own path.

Themes

"Stanza" touches on several themes, including individuality, nature, and the pursuit of happiness.

The theme of individuality is heavily present throughout the poem. The speaker expresses a desire to follow their own path, even if it goes against the norms of society. They are tired of being "rebuked" and criticized for their beliefs and actions, and instead, choose to follow their own instincts.

Nature is also a prominent theme in "Stanza." The speaker chooses to walk in the countryside, where they can be surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of nature. This is a stark contrast to the "busy chase of wealth and learning" that the speaker is trying to escape from.

Finally, the pursuit of happiness is a key theme in "Stanza." The speaker is searching for a sense of contentment and peace that they have been unable to find in the material world. They are tired of chasing after things that ultimately do not bring them joy and instead, choose to focus on their own happiness.

Literary Devices

Brontë uses several literary devices throughout "Stanza" to enhance the poem's meaning.

One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The speaker describes walking where the "grey flocks in ferny glens are feeding" and where the "wild wind blows on the mountain side." These vivid descriptions conjure up peaceful and serene images in the reader's mind, adding to the poem's overall sense of tranquility.

Repetition is another device that Brontë uses to great effect. The phrase "often rebuked, yet always back returning" is repeated at the beginning of the poem, emphasizing the speaker's persistence in the face of criticism. Additionally, the repetition of the word "not" in the third stanza emphasizes the speaker's rejection of societal norms and their desire to follow their own path.

Finally, Brontë uses personification in the line "And visions rising, legion after legion." By giving the visions human-like qualities, the speaker is able to express the overwhelming nature of these distractions.

Conclusion

"Stanza" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that touches on several important themes. By using literary devices such as imagery, repetition, and personification, Brontë is able to enhance the poem's meaning and evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.

Ultimately, "Stanza" is a poem about the importance of individuality and the pursuit of happiness. The speaker chooses to follow their own path, even if it goes against societal norms, and finds a sense of peace and contentment in nature. This is a message that is still relevant today and one that resonates with readers of all ages.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Brontë is one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, and her classic poem "Stanza" is a perfect example of her unique style and poetic vision. In this 14-line poem, Brontë explores themes of love, nature, and the human condition, using vivid imagery and powerful language to create a haunting and unforgettable work of art.

The poem begins with the line "Often rebuked, yet always back returning," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Brontë is describing a force that is constantly being pushed back, but always manages to come back stronger than before. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the human spirit, which is often tested and challenged but ultimately perseveres.

The next few lines of the poem describe the beauty of nature, with Brontë using vivid imagery to paint a picture of a peaceful and idyllic landscape. She writes of "the hills of life, whence my soul's fountains are fed," suggesting that nature is a source of inspiration and nourishment for the human soul.

The third stanza of the poem is where Brontë really begins to delve into the theme of love. She writes of "the love of loves," which is "the love that saints and sinners know." This line suggests that love is a universal experience that transcends all boundaries, whether they be religious, moral, or social.

Brontë then goes on to describe the power of this love, writing that it "is of the sky and earth, and heavenly worth." This line suggests that love is not just a human emotion, but something that is inherent in the very fabric of the universe itself.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Brontë describes the pain and suffering that often accompanies love. She writes of "the pang that wrings the heart," suggesting that love can be a source of great pain and sorrow.

However, Brontë also suggests that this pain is worth it, as it is a sign of the depth and intensity of the love that is being experienced. She writes that "the hope that soars on high, and points to brighter worlds on high," suggesting that even in the midst of pain and suffering, there is always hope for a better future.

Overall, "Stanza" is a powerful and moving poem that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of the human experience. Brontë's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a haunting and unforgettable work of art that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you are a fan of Romantic poetry or simply appreciate great literature, "Stanza" is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the depths of the human soul.

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